Key points
In week 52, circulation of SARS-CoV-2 declined further in France. The incidence rate fell sharply across all age groups in a context of significantly lower screening rates, particularly among people under the age of 60. The number of new hospital admissions remained high, but decreased for the second consecutive week.
- Metropolitan France:
- Virological indicators and hospital admissions decreasing in all regions
- Slight rise in positivity rate in the under-20 age group
- Number of deaths still high
- Overseas France:
- Incidence rate stabilising in Reunion Island
Variants
- BA.5 omnipresent (93% of sequences in week 50 Flash Survey on 12 December); among its sub-lineages, BQ.1.1 continued to rise (70% vs 67% in week 49 Flash Survey)
Prevention
- Vaccination on 2 January 2023 (Vaccin Covid data):
- 16.3% of 60-79 year-olds had received a booster dose adapted to the Omicron variant (21.8% of those eligible in the age group); 19.6% of 80+ year-olds had equally received this booster dose (23.2% of those eligible);
- 32.7% of 60-79 year-olds and 21.0% of 80+ year-olds are considered protected by vaccination.
- Given that SARS-CoV-2 and winter viruses remain in active circulation, increased compliance with preventive measures is necessary:
- up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster dose of bivalent vaccine (protecting against the original strain and the Omicron variant) for eligible individuals already vaccinated with a primary course, and flu vaccination self-isolation in case of a positive test and/or symptoms;
- continued application of precautionary measures, including wearing a face mask (particularly around vulnerable people and in enclosed spaces favourable to transmission such as public transport), hand washing and ventilation of enclosed spaces.
